Honda CBR250RR, CBR300R will not come to India, CRF1000L Africa Twin to be launched in 2017

Japanese motorcycle maker Honda unveiled the CBR250RR, a track bred version of the regular CBR250R, in Malaysia early this week. Though biking enthusiasts in India are eagerly waiting for the launch of CBR250RR in India, emerging reports indicate the company has no plans to bring the motorcycle in the country.

Apart from the CBR250RR, the company also has no plans to bring CBR300R as the successor of CBR250R, reports Overdrive. The prime reason behind not launching the CBR250RR in India is the high price tag. Honda will be forced to price the motorcycle in the region at around Rs. 4 lakh and at that price it wouldn't be a compelling case against rivals. The motorcycle is powered by parallel-twin liquid cooled, 249.7cc engine with fuel injection mated to six-speed transmission.

The debut of CBR300R was expected at the Auto Expo 2016. However, the absence of the motorcycle clearly indicates Honda has no plans to bring the motorcycle in India. In February, senior vice president of HMSI, YS Guleria, quashed the possibility of CBR300R arriving in India anytime soon. The CBR250R has been replaced by CBR300R from 2013 in many global markets. The company updated CBR250R in India in November 2015 with new colour schemes and stickers only.

The good news is that the Japanese bike maker will launch the CRF1000L Africa Twin next year. The adventure motorcycle, unveiled at the Auto Expo 2016 in February, will be launched in completely knocked down (CKD) line that will help to price it more competitively. The Africa Twin is powered by a 998cc, parallel twin liquid-cooled engine with 270 degree crank and uni-cam. The engine develops 94bhp at 7,500rpm and 98Nm of torque at 6,000rpm mated to a six-speed manual transmission.